DVCS & ConnectionsACT to Merge

“On behalf of the DVCS Board of Governance and staff I am excited to announce that as of 1 October 2016 DVCS will merge with Connections ACT” says DVCS Chief Executive Officer, Mirjana Wilson.

“The Boards and Executive of DVCS and Connections ACT have been working together over the last few months to bring the two organisations together. “Following the receipt of funding for Room4Change in the recent ACT Budget, the partnership of DVCS and Connections ACT has agreed to take the next step and merge. This will ensure the expertise of both organisations is embedded under unified control”.

Connections ACT Executive Officer, Anthony Rochester says “The merger between Connections ACT and DVCS makes sense. The values and mission of both organisations align. The decision to merge is an exciting chapter in our ongoing mission to support men and fathers. The merger will ensure the expertise of both organisations is embedded in the Room4Change program, as well as other DVCS programs. Like anyone who wants to change, men who use violent and controlling behaviour need support.”

Ms Wilson said “Recently DVCS implemented our Safe@Home program with funding from the Federal Government as part of their Women’s Safety Package. This program, together with our other services, including Civil Court and Criminal Justice Advocacy, Young People’s Outreach and Support Groups Program means we can work more closely and for longer with families after the initial crisis and assist with safety, recovery and moving forward with their lives. The Safe@Home program is already providing one on one support to women of the ACT, and will also be able to provide support to the families of the men who enter our Room4Change program, regardless of whether their relationship continues or not.”

“Room4Change has an important role to support men not to hurt children” Mr Rochester said. “It’s timely that this merger occurs around Child Protection Week and Fathers Day and a reminder about the important role fathers play in safe families. Supporting fathers, supports safer families.”

Connections ACT ran Canberra Fathers and Children Services (CanFaCS) since 2002 and previously FirstPoint. DVCS will take over and continue to operate the successful ‘Dad’s Place’ program previously run by CanFaCS. Dad’s Place provides a safe environment for fathers to spend time with their children when his current accommodation is unsuitable.